Bow Arts, a London arts charity providing affordable studio space and creative opportunities for artists and communities across the capital, invites the public to an Open Studios at the Rum Factory at London Dock, a neighbourhood by St George in Wapping, East London, on Saturday 28 March.
The event offers visitors and prospective artists a rare opportunity to step inside the historic Pennington Street Warehouse and meet the community of nearly 100 artists working within one of East London’s most distinctive and inspiring creative hubs.
Throughout the open day, visitors can explore working studios, meet the artists and take part in a range of hands-on activities. Workshops include two flower pressing sessions for adults at 12pm and 2pm, alongside a family collage and drawing workshop running from 11:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 4:30pm, while drop-in activities led by studio artists will take place across the studios all day. The exhibition ‘Grown, Severed, Lost, Replanted’, showcasing work by Rum Factory studio artists, will be on view from 27 March to 11 April 2026.
Set within the Grade II-listed Pennington Street Warehouse, once an early 19th- century dockside complex, the Rum Factory Studios form part of the wider London Dock regeneration masterplan. When the docks ceased operating in 1969, the warehouse remained closed off for decades before St George, sensitively restored it as part of the London Dock redevelopment. Since 2015, Bow Arts has transformed part of London Dock’s Pennington Street Warehouse into 80 affordable studios that range from 80-400 sq ft in the heart of the city, providing space for painters, designers, makers and multimedia artists to develop their practice within an architecturally striking setting of vaulted brick ceilings and generous natural light.
For 30 years, Bow Arts has built an ecosystem in which artists and communities can flourish. The organisation manages 19 sites across London and has delivered nearly £4.8 million in subsidised services, including education programmes in local schools, artist development opportunities, exhibitions and public workshops. Its reinvestment model ensures income generated through rents and partnerships is directed back into supporting artists and local communities, with more than 60% of investment remaining within the surrounding area.
The Rum Factory Studios demonstrate how heritage restoration, long-term cultural investment and community engagement can work together to strengthen local identity and creativity.
Find out more about the event at https://bowarts.org/event/rum-factory-open-studios/.
Marcus Blake, Managing Director at St George, commented: “At London Dock, reinvesting in local talent is central to our vision. Supporting initiatives like Bow Arts at the Rum Factory is something St George is extremely proud of. It’s more than just about providing space, it is about nurturing a creative community where local artists can build sustainable careers and connect with residents.
“By bringing talent and cultural organisations into the heart of the neighbourhood, alongside our homes and public spaces, we are creating an environment where creativity is accessible and embedded in everyday life. This partnership ensures that London Dock is a place where local talent can grow and the wider community can share in that journey.”
João Guarantani, Executive Director of Business at Bow Arts, commented “East London has long been a powerhouse of artistic talent. London Dock has given us an exceptional opportunity to provide affordable studio space within a beautifully restored heritage building to aspiring artists. We are delighted to partner with St George to open the doors to residents and our local community. The Rum Factory Studios offer artists space to create and a genuine sense of community and connection to the local area. Events like the Open Day are about opening our doors, sharing that creativity, and ensuring artists have the visibility and support they need to build their careers.”
The Rum Factory Studios are part of the wider London Dock neighbourhood, a 15-acre mixed-use development that blends restored heritage buildings with new homes, landscaped squares and public spaces.
Now home to over 2,000 residents, the area includes Pennington Quay Walk and Gauging Square, creating a lively focal point for the community. London Dock is within walking distance of Tower Hill and Aldgate East stations, with the Elizabeth Line at Whitechapel nearby.
Homes at London Dock start from £685,500. For further information or to register interest, contact the sales team on 020 4600 4211 or email sales@londondock.co.uk.
The London Dock Sales and Marketing Suite is located at 9 Arrival Square, Vaughan Way, London E1W 2AA.
The Rum Factory Studios are located at 49 Pennington Street, Wapping, London E1W 2BD. The nearest station is Shadwell (DLR). Bus routes 36, 185, 436 and 196 serve the area. There is no parking available and bicycle parking is limited. Please note there is no step-free access.
